Bertie, the 11-year-old Pomeranian famous for his Instagram influence and recent candidacy in a controversial NYC dog mayoral election, unexpectedly died in his sleep last Tuesday.
The New York Post reported that Bertie participated in a rigged dog mayor election amplified by cryptocurrency, and his sudden death cast a shadow over the whimsical contest.
Kathy Grayson, Bertie's owner and a local art gallery owner, expressed shock over the sudden loss of her beloved pet. Bertie passed away without any prior health issues, and his veterinarian could not determine a clear cause of death. Grayson shared her grief, emphasizing how unexpected the event was, as she had expected her companion to live for several more years.
Bertie gained recognition not just locally but globally, attracting nearly 400,000 followers on Instagram. His charm and furry face made him a regular on various media platforms, including an appearance on the "Rachael Ray Show." Grayson described Bertie as more than just a pet, calling him a source of love and emotional support during her most challenging times.
Earlier this month, Bertie drew attention not for his social media antics but for his involvement in a highly publicized and ultimately fraudulent mayoral election for dogs. Cryptocurrency investors manipulated the election, which was meant to be a lighthearted affair, by creating a cryptocurrency named BERT in Bertie's honor, causing its value to briefly skyrocket.
Participants engaged in abnormal voting activities, including massive electronic ballot stuffing. Stephen Calabria, who organized the contest, identified irregularities such as large blocs of votes suddenly favoring Bertie, which distorted the fair play. He observed the race shift from a tight contest to one where Bertie led by an overwhelming margin.
Outraged participants responded to the irregularities. Olivia Caputo, the owner of another contestant, Enzo, criticized the election’s integrity and withdrew her dog from the competition. Amid the chaos and accusations, Kathy Grayson, Bertie’s owner, conceded his unofficial win to restore peace and fun to the event. As a result, Bertie accepted the title of deputy dog mayor, a position he held briefly before his untimely death.
Bertie wasn't just a local celebrity; his impact was felt significantly by Grayson, particularly after back-to-back personal tragedies. Grayson credited Bertie with helping her cope with the passing of close family members over recent years. “Bert got me through my fiancé Errol dying in 2016, my father dying a few months later, and my mother dying two years later,” she stated, depicting the depth of her bond with Bertie.
Grayson reflected on Bertie's life and personality. "He had an outsized personality, was sassy, and almost seemed to have a sense of humor," she explained, fondly remembering the joy he brought into her life. She stressed how inseparable they were and how Bertie's presence radiated love and helped her during her darkest moments.
The cryptocurrency element, while initially seen as a novel way to boost participation, soon became a point of contention and a facet Grayson wished to forget. The BERT coin, which experienced a significant drop post-election, was a testament to the volatile mix of digital assets and real-world events.
Even as the digital and literal dust settles following the election fiasco, the community, and Bertie's followers remember him fondly. Grayson’s closing remarks about her companion resonated with anyone who has ever cherished a pet. She always made sure Bertie knew his importance in her life, telling him daily of her love, and receiving his affection in return.
The whimsical tale of a dog's rise in a corrupted election ends not with triumph but with reflective lessons on love, loss, and the unpredictable nature of life. Bertie's passing, while mourned, underscores the fleeting joy pets bring into our lives and the enduring marks they leave on our hearts. Grayson, though devastated, chooses to focus on the special memories and hopeful energy Bertie gave to all who knew him.
